To Brief Tom, contact his Clerk: (02) 9267 4955, clerk@sgchambers.com.au
Tom Warr brings more than two decades of experience at the coalface of criminal law. He has built a reputation for resilience, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to clients—particularly those who are vulnerable or facing overwhelming odds.
‘In 25 years in criminal law, there’s little I haven’t encountered. I’ve always had an underdog spirit—standing up for those under pressure and pushing back against unfairness.’
Tom began his legal career in commercial practice before making a decisive shift to criminal law. He moved to London to work with a criminal defence firm on Fleet Street, where he developed a strong foundation in serious criminal matters, refined his instincts as a trial advocate, and was admitted to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Upon returning to Australia, Tom spent eight years with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in New South Wales and the Northern Territory, gaining extensive experience across jurisdictions and court environments.
His practice encompasses the full spectrum of criminal law, from complex indictable offences to pleas and summary hearings. He has a particular affinity for Local Court matters and is widely regarded as a barrister willing to take on any case where he can assist.
Known for his rigorous work ethic, Tom leaves no part of a brief unread and no issue unexplored. He approaches every matter with thoroughness, authenticity, and determination, bringing a strong and consistent sense of fairness to his advocacy.
In addition to his Australian and UK qualifications, Tom studied for and passed the New York Bar examinations before being admitted as an attorney in New York, further broadening his legal perspective across jurisdictions.
Outside practice, Tom is a keen surfer—an enduring interest that provides balance to the demands of criminal litigation.
Criminal law, including Local Court hearings and District and Supreme Court trials
Sentencing
Bail
Coronial inquests
Commissions of inquiry
High Court of Australia, 2014
Barrister (NSW), 2013
Attorney (New York, USA), 2011
Solicitor (ACT), 2009
Solicitor (NT), 2007
Solicitor (England & Wales), 2003
Solicitor (NSW), 2001
BEc, University of Sydney
LLB, University of Sydney
LLM, University of Sydney
Qualified Lawyers Transfer Examinations (London)
New York State & Multistate Bar Examinations
Graduate Solicitor, Clayton Utz, 2000–2002
Defence Solicitor, Bark & Co Solicitors, London, 2002–2004
State Prosecutor, ODPP (NSW), 2004–2007
State Prosecutor, ODPP (NT), 2007–2008
Senior Solicitor, Australian Securities & Investments Commission, 2008–2009
Defence Solicitor, Australian Criminal Law Specialists, 2010
Barrister (NSW), 2013–present
Legal Aid NSW's Indictable and Complex crime barrister panels
Legal Aid NSW's Summary criminal law, Mental health and Domestic violence panels
ODPP Private Briefing Panel
NSW Bar Association
Clerk: Michael Wilcox · clerk@sgchambers.com.au